Older and younger generations come together in Ballymacash thanks to new peacebuilding initiative
A new peacebuilding initiative, The Generation Game, delivered by Utopian Training Solutions, has been launched at Ballymacash Bluebell Stadium in a bid to bring together older and younger generations.
The PEACEPLUS project will engage 160 participants through a programme of intergenerational activities, exploring themes of peace and reconciliation, with learning and exchange flowing both ways.
Younger and older people will have opportunities to share knowledge, skills and life experiences, helping to build understanding, strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections across generations.
The project will also provide opportunities for older people to develop a stronger sense of purpose and value within society, while helping to reduce social isolation, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen skills and relationships.
By bringing generations together, the programme will support greater understanding and contribute to further peace and prosperity across the council area.
Councillor Gretta Thompson, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACEPLUS Partnership, thanked all those involved in developing the project and said: “I am delighted to see The Generation Game bringing younger and older people together in such a positive and meaningful way.
"We all have knowledge, skills and life experiences worth sharing, and this programme will give people the chance to learn from one another, form new friendships and feel more connected to their community.
"I hope it will help older people feel valued and supported, reduce isolation and build lasting understanding between generations.
"By creating these connections, we can strengthen our communities and continue building peace and prosperity across our council area.”
Announcing the project, Edward Hanna, Managing Director of Utopian Training Solutions said: “The Generation Game is built on a very simple principle: every generation has something valuable to contribute, and our communities are stronger when we create opportunities for that knowledge, experience and understanding to be shared.
"Too often, older people can find themselves increasingly isolated from the communities they have helped shape throughout their lives.
“At the same time, younger generations do not always have the opportunities to connect with, learn from or appreciate the experiences of those who have gone before them.
"This programme is about changing that. It is about recognising the enormous contribution older people continue to make, breaking down the barriers that prevent participation, and creating meaningful opportunities for younger and older people to come together through shared interests, activities and experiences.
“Peacebuilding is not simply about bringing people into the same room. It is about building genuine relationships, challenging perceptions, developing mutual respect and creating a stronger sense of belonging.
"We believe that intergenerational engagement can play an important role in achieving this.
“What makes The Generation Game particularly exciting is that it will build upon the strengths of existing community organisations, from Men's Sheds and Women's Institutes to sports clubs, heritage groups and local community networks.
"We want participants to help shape the programme, share their skills and experiences, and ultimately become the people who sustain these connections into the future.”
The project will run across the council area from November 2026. For more information on the project and courses, contact Edward Hanna on [email protected].